Subclass 500 — Student visa
Statutory definition
Subclass 500 is prescribed in Schedule 2 of the Migration Regulations 1994. The criteria require: a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider; satisfaction of the Genuine Student (formerly Genuine Temporary Entrant) criterion; English proficiency; financial capacity; and health and character requirements. The visa is granted for the duration of the principal course plus a short additional period.
Explanation
The Subclass 500 student visa was introduced in 2016, consolidating multiple previous student visa subclasses. The most important criterion is the Genuine Student test — assessing whether the applicant genuinely intends to temporarily enter Australia to study (not as a migration pathway). The Department assesses this against the applicant's circumstances and immigration history. Work rights were increased to 48 hours per fortnight during academic terms (from 40 hours) as of July 2023.
Students who complete a qualification in Australia may be eligible for the Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate visa) to remain and work for 2–4 years after graduation.